Alex As Well
on Goodreads (1,980)
What’s inside...
What do you do when everybody says you’re someone you’re not? Alex wants change. Massive change. More radical than you could imagine. Her mother is not happy, in fact she’s imploding. Her dad walked out. Alex has turned vegetarian, ditched one school, enrolled in another, thrown out her clothes. And created a new identity. An identity that changes her world. And Alex—the other Alex—has a lot to say about it. Alex As Well is a confronting and heartfelt story of adolescent experience—of questioning identity, discovering sexuality, navigating friendships and finding a place to belong. Alex is a strong, vulnerable, confident, shy and determined character, one you will never forget. With the same tenderness and insight as YA stars such as John Green and David Levithan, Alyssa Brugman has crafted a knockout story about identity, sexuality and family that speaks effortlessly to a universal teen experience.
Age
14-18
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alex
Heather
Discussion points
How did Alex’s journey of self-discovery make you feel, and why do you think it is important for everyone to understand themselves?
What are some challenges Alex faced when expressing her true identity, and how do you think she handled them?
How did the reactions of other characters to Alex’s identity help or hinder her journey?
In what ways do you think being supportive can make a difference to someone who is going through a personal journey like Alex?
Why is it important to respect and accept people for who they are, even if they are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book in an open and non-judgmental way to create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts.
Encourage your child to think about times they have faced personal challenges and relate those experiences back to Alex’s story to deepen their understanding.
Discuss the different reactions of characters within the book and ask your child how they would feel and respond in similar situations.
Highlight the importance of empathy by asking your child how they think Alex felt during key moments in the book and why empathy is important in real life.
Reinforce the theme of acceptance and being true to oneself, by discussing the potential positive impacts of these values on individuals and society.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance of Gender Identity
Explanation: Alex As Well portrays the struggles and triumphs of Alex, a teenager with an intersex condition, as she navigates her gender identity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and respect diverse gender identities in their peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book delves into the emotional and social challenges Alex faces, which can sensitize readers to the feelings of others, particularly those who may seem different.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these understanding in their interactions by being kind and supportive to classmates who are dealing with personal challenges or identities that are misunderstood.
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-Discovery
Explanation: Alex's journey is one of bravery as she publicly defines her own identity against societal and familial pressures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for themselves and exploring their true selves, regardless of external expectations.
Example Lesson: Impact of Parental Support
Explanation: The mixed reactions of Alex's parents to her gender identity highlight the importance of supportive family relationships in the well-being of young people.
Real-World Application: This underscores the value of open communication and support within the family unit, teaching children to seek and offer support within their own families.